Couples

Engagement, wedding and anniversary announcements

Engagement

Hey and Swearngin

Sue Ellen Swearngin, Spring Hill, and Bryan William Hey, Baldwin City, announce their engagement.The future bride is the daughter of Shawn Swearngin, Spring Hill, and Vicki Jean Taylor, Fayetteville, Ark. She graduated from Spring Hill High School and Heritage College. She is employed at College Park Family Care Center. The future groom is the son of John and Connie Hey, Baldwin City. He graduated from Baldwin High School and Johnson County Community College. He is employed at Hey Machinery.The couple plan a Sept. 6, 2008, wedding in Baldwin City.

Anniversary

Bocquin

George and Ailene Bocquin will celebrate their 60th wedding anniversary with family and friends with an open house reception from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. on June 22 at Alvamar Country Club. George Bocquin and Ailene Johnson were married June 24, 1948, in Emporia.George and Ailene grew up on farms located near Emporia and moved to Lawrence in 1956. George worked for Burlington Northern & Santa Fe Railroad and retired after 40 years. Ailene volunteers in the Lawrence schools, scouting and other community activities. She also taught bridge lessons and sold Avon products for many years. They are members of St. John's Catholic Church. They have four children: Peggy Palmer, Lawrence; Mary and Leland Juel, Denver, Pa.; Dennis and Lisa Bocquin, Shawnee; and Dr. Lary Bocquin, Topeka.They have six grandchildren.The couple residence in Lawrence.The couple requests no gifts.

Engagement

Tate and Diers

Rayna Diers, Lawrence, announces the engagement of her daughter, Kimberly Diers, Lawrence, to Aaron Tate, Ottawa. The future bride is also the daughter of Gerald Diers, Hays. She is a graduate of Ottawa Christian Academy. She is a junior and honor student at Kansas University majoring in environmental studies.The future groom is the son of Alvie and Anna Tate, Ottawa. He attended Ottawa Christian Academy. He is employed with Gun-Ko, Olathe.The couple plan a June 21, 2008, wedding at First Baptist Church, Ottawa.

Anniversary

Baxter

Delbert and Mary Baxter began their 50th wedding anniversary celebration in April, 2008, with a river cruise in The Netherlands and visited Brussels, Belgium and Holland. Delbert Baxter and Mary Harrison were married June 21, 1958, in Lawrence at the Antioch Baptist Church where they both were members. Delbert and Mary are graduates of Lawrence High School. Delbert was in the Army from 1953 to 1956. They reside in Lawrence and are active members of the First Southern Baptist Church.They have two sons, Chester Allen and Treva Bunce of Perry; and Timothy W. Baxter of Lawrence. There is one grandson, C.J. Bunce of Perry. Delbert has two sisters, Delores Lycan of Olathe and the late Mildred Ann Baxter and two brothers, John Baxter Jr. of Ankeny, Iowa, and the late Donald Baxter. Mary has two sisters, Juanita Stowers of Mountain Home, Ark., and Ginger Harrison of Lawrence, and a brother, the late George Albert Harrison. There are 17 nieces and nephews.Delbert retired in 1990 from Aeroquip of Lawrence after 24 years of service. Mary retired in 1993 from Watkins Memorial Health Center, University of Kansas Student Health Services, after 33 years of service. She now works part-time at First Med Clinic in Lawrence.For more than 10 years, Delbert and Mary belonged to local square dance groups. They encouraged friends and family to join them and they traveled in groups to many towns, and other states for special dance events. Their neighbor, James Ellis, was a favorite square dance caller.The years found Delbert and Mary participating in many community services, such as sponsoring youth in high school programs, volunteers at Lawrence Memorial Hospital, the Senior Center and the Lied Center, all of which they still continue. Also, Mary served as a Kansas delegate to the Republican Convention in San Diego in 1996. They both have been Republican precinct committeeman and committeewoman for the last 15 years and work the polls at elections.Delbert and Mary will celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary, with family and friends over "dinner and a movie." This celebration, by invitation only, will be held at the Alvamar Country Club on June 21. The movie is a collection of reflections on the past 50 years. A special tribute to Delbert and Mary will be performed by their goddaughter, ShyAnne Mailen, who is a songwriter and international Christian/Country radio performer. Delbert and Mary accompanied her to Nashville for a Nashville Star Search competition and have been active in promoting her career.

Anniversary

Breithaupt

Glenn and Brenda Breithaupt celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary with a family dinner at Topeka Steak House in May.Glenn Breithaupt and Brenda Penny were married April 18, 1958, in Lawrence. Brenda worked several years at Hallmark Cards Inc, Sears, and later retired from USD 497 Food Service after 10 years. Glenn worked for Farmland Industries and later retired after 40 years.They have three children: Don and Janet Breithaupt, Lawrence; Kris and Paul Oehlert, Baldwin City; and Carrie and Brad Shuck, Lawrence.They have eight grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. The couple reside in Lawrence.

Anniversary

Woodard

Robert and Shirley Woodard will celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary with an open reception with family and friends from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. on June 22 at New Life Assembly of God Church, 118 Fifth St., Baldwin.Robert Paul Woodard and Shirley Rose Jones were married on June 15, 1958, at Central United Methodist Church, Lawrence. They have four children: William (Bill) Woodard, Lawrence; Michelle (Missi) Lehr, Kansas City, Mo.; Robert and Gigi Woodard, Lawrence; and Matthew and Youngha Woodard, Lawrence.They have eight grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. The couple reside in Baldwin City.

Engagement

Siemers and Finger

Mark and Jonnie Finger, Lawrence, and Walter and Loretta Siemers, Derby, announce the engagement of their children, Abigail Katrina Finger and Aaron Ray Siemers.The future bride is a 2002 graduate of Free State High School. She received a bachelor's degree in elementary education from Kansas University in 2007. She is employed with KU libraries. The future groom is a 2001 graduate of Derby High School. He is a studying for a humanities degree at KU. He is a manager for Taco Bell in Lawrence. The couple plan a June 28, 2008, wedding at the Mustard Seed Christian Fellowship, Lawrence.

Anniversary

Eisenbarger

Merlin and Patsy will celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary with friends and family with a reception from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. on June 21, 2008, at the Grove Moose Lodge in Grove, Okla.Merlin Eisenbarger and Patsy Kelley were married June 21, 1958 in Eudora. They are graduates of Eudora High School. They lived in Kansas for 25 years and raised their children.They owned and operated Merlin's Hy-Klas Grocery and Merlin's Ice Co. until they moved to Grove, Okla. in 1983. They started Grove Beauty Supply in 1986 and retired in 1996.They are members of First Christian Church in Grove, Okla. They have both been active in the Moose Lodge for more than 20 years and are in other civic programs.They have two daughters: Penny and Mike Harrell, Lawrence; and Pam Landon, northern Missouri. They have four grandchildren. They couple reside in Grove, Okla.Cards may be sent to Merlin and Patsy at 101 N. Seneca, Grove, OK 74344.

Engagement

Fouts and Leach

Julie Jean Leach and Andrew Levi Fouts, both of Lawrence, announce their engagement.The future bride is the daughter of Ron and Peggy Nicholl, Lawrence, and Jim Leach, Burnsville, Minn. The future groom is the son of Tom and Pat Fouts, Columbus.Julie received a bachelor's degree in elementary education from Kansas State University. She is a teacher in the Lawrence Public Schools.Andrew received a bachelor's degree in finance from Kansas University. He is a graduate student at KU in the dual Juris Doctor and Master of Business Administration program.The couple plan a June 14, 2008, wedding at Danforth Chapel in Lawrence.

Engagement

Suitt and Fraker

Amber Lee Fraker and Joseph Payton Suitt, both of Lawrence, announce their engagement.The future bride is the daughter of David Fraker, Winchester, and Peggy Locklin, Lawrence. She is a 2004 graduate of Lawrence High School. She is employed with the Villages Inc.The future groom is the son of Michael and Cheryl Suitt, Lawrence. He is a 2003 graduate of Lawrence High School. He is employed with the IBEW Local Union 304.The couple plan an Aug. 8, 2008, wedding at Mustard Seed Christian Fellowship, Lawrence.

Wedding

Skillman

Sheri Brune and Kyle Skillman were married May 2, 2008, at Corpus Christi Catholic Church, Lawrence, with the Rev. Michael Mulvany officiating.The bride is the daughter of Mike and Nancy Brune, Lawrence.The groom is the son of Marc and Janet Skillman, Tampa, Fla.Maid of honor was Kristin Kruse. Best man was Bryan Peck. Bridesmaids were Heidi Brune, Ann Wright, Erin Goodman. Groomsmen were Lee Hendricks, Shane Tolbert, Todd Sheely. Ushers were Ryan Brune and Jerod Kruse.A reception followed at Liberty Hall. The bride is a 2001 graduate of Free State High School and a 2008 graduate of Kansas University. She is a structural engineer with Thornton Tomasetti in Kansas City, Mo. The groom is a 1997 graduate of Center Grove High School. He is a 2001 graduate of Middle Tennessee State University and a 2004 graduate of KU Law School. He is an attorney with the Collegiate Sports Practice Group of Bond, Schoeneck and King in Overland Park.The couple reside in Kansas City, Mo.

Engagement

Lopez and Schimmel

Gene and Linda Schimmel, Lawrence, announce the engagement of their daughter Amy Schimmel to Ricardo Lopez, both of Salinas, Calif. The future groom is the son of Jose Lopez, Salinas, Calif., and Marta Gladys Antonio, San Martin, El Salvador.The future bride is a 2001 graduate of Free State High School. She received a Bachelor of Arts degree in architectural studies from Kansas University in 2006. She is a geometry teacher at Salinas High School.The future groom is a 1998 graduate of Everett Alvarez High School. He received a Bachelor of Arts degree in educational studies and social welfare from California State University, Monterey Bay, in 2000. He is a special education teacher for Alisal Elementary School District.The couple plan a June 14, 2008, wedding at Dance Pavilion on KU campus.

Anniversary

Lewis

Donna and Herschel Lewis will receive friends at their 50th wedding anniversary with a reception from 2:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. at the Lawrence Country Club on Sunday. The event will be hosted by their children: Andrea and Patrick Lewis, Olathe; and Jodi and Jarod Lewis, Lawrence. The couple were married on June 15, 1958, at E.U.B. Church in Iola, with the Rev. Lyle B. Roe officiating.They moved to Lawrence in 1969 and established the Lewis Veterinary Clinic. The couple request no gifts, but cards will be appreciated.

Wedding

Lisher

Amanda Jeanne Connel and Chad Charles Lisher were married Dec. 1, 2007, at Trinity Lutheran Church, Lawrence, with the Rev. Gary Teske officiating. The bride is the daughter of David and Lennie Connel, Leavenworth.The groom is the son of Melvin Jr., and Charlene Lisher, Lawrence.Maid of honor was Rebecca Connel. Best man was Carl Lisher. Bridesmaids were Bobbie Jo Connel, Catherine Connel, and Jayme Lisher. Groomsmen were Andrew Flory, Tyler Crotts, and Cuyler Halpin. Ring bearer was Gabe del Valle. Reader was Jordan Ferguson. Candle lighters were Samantha Jo Connel and Mikel Connel. Ushers were Christopher Connel and Alex del Valle. Program attendants were Libby Queen and Leslie Queen. Guest book attendants were April Pierce and Brookelin Pierce. Musicians were Benjamin Keseley, piano; Cyril Cook, violin; and Whitney Juneau, vocalist.A reception followed at Maceli's. The bride is a graduate of Leavenworth High School. She attended Kansas University and graduated from Washburn University. She is a radiation therapist with Kansas City Cancer Center, Overland Park.The groom is a graduate of Lawrence High School. He attended Johnson County Community College and Washburn University. He is a firefighter emergency medical technician-I with Lawrence-Douglas County Fire and Medical.The couple reside in Lawrence.

Engagement

LaFaver and Englebrake

Mike and Judy Englebrake, Baldwin City, announce the engagement of their daughter, Molly Englebrake to Sean LaFaver, both of Vail, Colo. The future bride is a 2001 graduate of Baldwin High School. She is a salon owner and hair stylist at Main Street Salon in Vail, Colo.The future groom is the son of Mary Faye LaFaver, Alexandria, Va., and the late John LaFaver. He is a 1998 graduate of Washburn Rural High School. He graduated from Kansas University with a strategic communication degree in 2003. He is a sales manager at RockResort in Vail, Colo.The couple plan an Aug. 30, 2008, wedding at the bride's parents home in Baldwin City.

Anniversary

Guggissberg

Carl and Doris Guggissberg will celebrate their 60th wedding anniversary with family and friends at a restaurant.The couple were married June 13, 1948, at the Methodist Church in Burns. Carl served on a Navy destroyer in the Pacific in World War II. He worked in the parts department at Ford dealerships in Topeka, California and Lawrence for more than 40 years. Doris worked at the Topeka Air Force Depot and was also a homemaker.They have two children: Carol and Steve Martindale, Lenexa; and Kimberly and Clarence Rayton, Lawrence. They have five grandchildren. The couple reside in Lawrence.

Wedding

Haines

Victoria Partridge and Eric Haines were married June 1, 2008, at Danforth Chapel, Lawrence, with the Rev. Tom Brady officiating. The bride is the daughter of Joseph Partridge, Emporia, and Darla Dale, Burlington.The groom is the son of Charles and Mary Haines, Salina.Maid of honor was Brittany Partridge. Best man was Derek Davis. Flower girl was Izabel Partridge. Ring bearer was Jackson Lillo. A reception followed at the Crystal Ballroom in the Eldridge Hotel.The bride wore a halter top ball featuring a pick up skirt, in all white, from David's Bridal. Her crinoline was dyed hot pink, and her shoe of choice was a traditional black and white low-top Converse All Star "Chuck Taylor." The flower girl and maid of honor both wore black and white dresses from David's Bridal with black and white low-top Converse All Stars. The groom wore a black tux and white shirt with a blue vest and tie and black and white Converse All Stars. Best man, father of the bride, and ring bearer all wore black tuxes, white shirts, vests, and ties, with black and white Converse All Stars.The wedding's color scheme included black and white attire with orange, white, pink and yellow spring flowers, and accents of bright blue fabric (men's ties, brides bouquet ribbons, etc.)A pizza buffet was set up by The Eldridge, to honor the bride and groom's engagement night dinner. The wedding cake was a six-tier cupcake stand of dark chocolate cupcakes with milk chocolate frosting and edible flowers. The cakes were baked by the bride's bakery, Atomic Cupcake Bakery. Edible flowers were provided by BitterSweet Floral.Eighties alternative and new wave rock and modern indie rock were played at the reception. Friends of the bride and groom dj'd the reception. The first dance song was "The Luckiest," by Ben Folds, which was a surprise song picked out by the groom for the bride.Following the reception, the bride and groom spent two nights in the Chateau Avalon in Kansas City.The bride is a 1999 graduate of Burlington High School. She received a Bachelors of Fine Arts degree in communications from Emporia State University in 2004. She received a Masters of Arts degree in English from Emporia State in 2008. She is an assistant to the director of undergraduate student services for the School of Fine Arts at Kansas University. The groom is a 2001 graduate of Salina High School. He is a graphic artist with Stouse Screen Printers, Gardner. The couple reside in Lawrence.